About
I am an experienced, friendly, and patient teacher who loves to share my knowledge with my students! I customize the lessons to suit each student's needs and interests, and I believe that learning should be fun. I also believe that it's never too late to start! (One of my students began learning the violin at age 75, and she's doing very well.)
I have been teaching private violin lessons since 1989, viola lessons since 2005, and cello lessons since 2013. Lessons are held at my studio in North Versailles, just two blocks off of Route 30. You may learn more about me and my studio on my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/MissVickiesStrings/
I was taught and mentored by the late Dr. Eugene Reichenfeld, a prominent strings teacher and conductor from the Pittsburgh area. He wrote the following recommendation: "Miss Beck is well informed in the current teaching methods and is capable and competent in her profession. Her personality is exemplary; she radiates friendliness, interest, kindness, and understanding, all of which are the qualities of a good teacher. I recommend Miss Victoria Beck as your music instructor."
I am a member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), and I regularly attend workshops and seminars to keep up-to-date on the newest trends and techniques. I am also the president of the board of trustees for the Opus 2 Orchestra, which is based in Monroeville.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For all students, I always take a few minutes during the first lesson to get to know them, find out what their goals are, and to share a bit about my background and approach to teaching.
If the student already plays the instrument, I ask them to perform a short piece or two of their choosing to demonstrate their current ability. I watch for and listen for strengths and weaknesses in playing position, bowing, and sound quality, and then tell the student what I observed. I compliment them on their strengths, and tell them how we will address their weaknesses.
For brand-new beginners, most of the first lesson is spent learning about the instrument and how to properly hold it. We will go over some basic music notation and will play a few lines "pizzicato" style, which means "by plucking the strings." The bow will be introduced later, once the student has become comfortable with holding the instrument in proper left-hand playing position.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons cost $100/month, cash or check only. This pays for four weekly, half-hour private lessons per month, or two one-hour private lessons per month. Instrument rentals, music books, and accessories are not included in the lesson price.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and abilities. Some were very serious about their music and went on to study music in college, and others took lessons simply because they enjoyed playing. I currently have a few students who are autistic, and another with ADHD. The youngest student I've ever had was five years old, and the oldest beginner was 75. Most of my students play in their school's orchestra, and private lessons have helped them advance beyond their classmates.